Firing Systems Design and Testing Engineer

Firing Systems Design and Testing Engineer

Salary: $140,700 – $214,032 annually. Level‑specific ranges: $140,700 – $178,392 annually for SES.
2; $168,780 – $214,032 annually for SES.
3.

This position is located at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in Livermore, CA, and is a Career Indefinite position open to Lab employees and external candidates.

We have an opening for a Firing Systems Design and Testing Engineer in the Initiation Systems Group (ISG). ISG specializes in the design, development, and testing of advanced initiation systems for high‑explosive applications. The role involves firing system assembly, design, research, and testing using advanced manufacturing and diagnostic techniques. Travel in support of programmatic deliverables is required. The position may offer a hybrid schedule.

• Take responsibility and apply comprehensive knowledge and judgment to establish objectives, prioritize parallel tasks, allocate resources, and develop innovative methods and technology to guide project completion.
• Assist in maintaining and ensuring quality standards for deliverables, publications, and presentations.
• Support team members’ skills to successfully complete complex projects.
• Utilize existing work, internal resources, and partnerships to develop innovative capabilities and lead project portfolios.
• Conduct formal and informal design reviews and provide guidance and technical direction in developing pulsed power systems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Provide advanced knowledge to resolve technical and programmatic issues.
• Produce advanced conceptual and detail designs for ongoing projects.
• Coordinate project interfaces and deployment with internal and external organizations, representing the organization as the primary technical contact.
• Lead and/or provide guidance and technical direction to multidisciplinary project teams.

• U.S. DOE Q‑level security clearance (requires U.S. citizenship).
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Broad experience in pulsed power engineering and design, experimental test set‑up, data collection, analysis, and documentation.
• Experience designing and testing high‑voltage systems and diagnostics.
• Experience developing creative solutions to moderately complex problems.
• Experience interacting and advising with all levels of technical staff, managers, and vendors.
• Comprehensive knowledge of engineering design, drawings, machining processes, fabrication, materials, and manufacturing methods.
• Experience managing programs with high safety consequences.
• Proficient verbal and written communication skills.

• Advanced knowledge of hardware design, fabrication, or testing processes with ability to meet schedule and deliverables.
• Ability to lead, manage, and mentor junior team members.
• Advanced communication skills and proven ability to present concepts clearly.

• Active DOE Q‑level clearance or active Top Secret clearance.
• Master’s degree in Pulsed Power or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of ESD controls and EMC.
• Experience with system‑level design, architecture, and project management.
• Experience with complex technical project management, including Gantt charts and/or systems engineering.

• Included in 2025 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor.
• Flexible Benefits Package.
• 401(k) plan.
• Relocation assistance.
• Education reimbursement program.
• Flexible schedules (depending on project needs).
• Values commitment to inclusion: our values.

Requires DOE Q‑level clearance. Clearance requires U.S. citizenship. Employees are subject to random drug testing.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a workplace free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected characteristics.

We provide reasonable accommodation throughout the application and recruitment process. Submit a request via our online form.

Per the CCPA, job applicants and employees are notified of the personal information LLNL collects and its purpose. The employee privacy notice can be accessed on our website.